THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – A Spectacular Line Up of Fall Festivals!
Get ready for this weekend’s spectacular line up of Fall Festivals as we embrace and celebrate the official start of the fall season which is this coming Tuesday, September 22nd!
Celebrating diverse cultures throughout Chicago and the world, the 6th annual World Dumpling Fest is this Saturday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-8 p.m.) at its new home in Wrightwood Park (2555 N. Ashland Ave.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This all-ages event features 10+ neighborhood restaurants sharing dishes that define their communities with more dumplings than you can ever eat. However, this Fest is more than just a food festival, it also showcases plenty of energetic live music performances, traditional dances, and local artisans and makers who bring the same pride to their craft as the chefs bring to their creations!
Chicago’s very first German neighborhood will come alive this Saturday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-8 p.m.) with its 2nd annual Old Town Oktoberfest located at 1360 North Wells Street between Schiller Street and Evergreen Avenue. Enjoy authentic German favorites like bratwurst and giant pretzels; sip on ice-cold beer; dance to German-inspired performers and popular bands; browse curated arts & crafts vendors; or compete in a crowd-favorite Masskrugstemmen (stein-holding competitions to win prizes); and more. In addition, there’s a giant LED viewing area for sports fans to catch and cheer for their favorite teams as well as the Fest’s first annual Dog Parade on Sunday (11 a.m.) which requires registration. Who knows? This may very well become Chicago’s newest fall tradition!
Another one of Chicago’s most beloved street festivals, Retro on Roscoe, takes place this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-8 p.m.) at 2000 West Roscoe Street and Damen Avenue in the Roscoe Village neighborhood. Whether you’re a rock and roll fanatic, a lover of vintage, or just want to have a good time, this throwback extravaganza is packed with three stages of live music featuring tribute bands performing hits from the ‘80s and ‘90s; an Antique and Classic Car & Motorcycle Show with over 50 vintage and muscle vehicles; artisan booths, antique dealers, and local vintage merchants for some good old vintage shopping; a dedicated kids’ area with inflatables, rides, face painting, and more; and plenty of food and drinks from local restaurants and food vendors. Enjoy your Blast from the Past!
Amdur Productions brings the Fall Magnificent Mile Art Festival this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) to the plaza and sidewalks at 875 North Michigan Avenue in the Streeterville neighborhood. More than 60 juried national artists from around the country will showcase their original works in a variety of mediums which include jewelry, fashion, painting, photography, and much more. Afterwards, continue shopping at The Magnificent Mile’s world class luxury stores and boutiques!
Calling all punk rockers! Returning to Douglass Park (1401 S. Sacramento Dr.) in the North Lawndale neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.) is Riot Fest. This massive weekend punk rock festival brings a lineup of both legacy acts and emerging newcomers in rock, punk, metal, and emo along with headliners like Tool, Morrissey, Pierce The Veil, Alanis Morissette, and others. This is always one of the biggest music fests of the season!
Our beloved Chicago Bears will host the Minnesota Vikings for their first home game of the season on Sunday (12 p.m.) at iconic Soldier Field (1410 Special Olympics Dr.) in the South Loop. DA BEARS!!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
